There is a distinct difference between phasing out SD channels and removing SD duplicates of HD channels. DISH has shown that they have a workable plan to make this happen with their Eastern Arc initiative. DIRECTV is still trying to figure out how they can use their satellite constellation without alienating a large number of customers that aren't prepared for Ka in their RVs, tailgate setups and homes away from home where the significantly larger dish isn't readily installed. DIRECTV has to figure out how to replace SD channels on 101 with HD channels. AT&T doesn't outwardly seem to be giving DIRECTV the time of day in this regard.
All they need to do is go MPEG4 and put all the significant HD feeds at 101.
All the PPV, sports, and other garbage channels they can leave on 103/99
But they can't do anything till they get rid of all the SD equipment.
If Directv wanted to get this done they would be more focused on receiver, then antenna upgrades.
They need to get rid of all the SD equipment first and convert to MPEG4 first.
Once everyone is on MPEG4, then start removing the SD feeds.
If they kept about 100-150 of the main channels like ESPN, Fox News, HBO and discovery on 101, they wouldn't piss off all the campers and tail gaters.
The SD feeds needs to go away